October 28, 2013

Final Cut: Gossip Girl Re-Enactment

I am over-the-moon excited about this finished project! Shoutout to the wonderful director, Osbaldo. He was patient and grateful to have us helping out. It was great working with him! Hopefully, we can work together again one day. Also, shoutout to my co-star Lauren. Wasn't she great?

So, without further ado, we hope that you enjoy this pilot re-enactment from Gossip Girl. Please leave constructive feedback if you would like in the comments.


October 21, 2013

Shoot: Miss India America

Yesterday (Sunday), me and my friend Stephen went to the Miss India America shoot in Irvine. My friend had never been on a movie set, and I was glad to know that he enjoyed going with me. The actors were oozing of confidence and they were such an inspiration to watch. I also appreciated that the cast and crew were very professional and organized. They were right on schedule, and I was definitely grateful for that.



For the third time in my life, I've graduated! This would be the second time I graduated high school ;) It was also the most fun graduation - maybe because there's no pressure or there wasn't an actual ceremony!! And yes, it would seem that I had no arms...


October 14, 2013

Shoots, Auditions, and Gossip Girl

The weekend of October 5 and 6 was quite a busy one for me. On October 5, the morning started with me making my way to Loyola Marymount University to shoot background for 118th Rhythm Street. I've been there once but I haven't been to the University Hall. Oh my gosh, they had escalators! The entire place looked like a mall!


The shoot itself was nice. I just had to walk across a hallway. While there, I met someone! She was from Austria and she's only going to be here for another couple months. She was so sweet and down to earth! I offered to give her a ride close to her apartment since it was on my way to my audition in CSU Northridge. On our way to the parking lot, we saw an awesome vending machine! (Yes, I need to lose about 20 lbs)


 After I dropped her off, I made my way to CSU Northridge for my audition for a Gossip Girl reenactment! I was so excited and enthusiastic! I also got to read for another reenactment. GOOD NEWS! I was cast for the Gossip Girl shoot as Serena! Ironically enough, the girl cast for Blair had blonde hair! :) I went to rehearsals yesterday, October 13. I think it went well :) We'll be meeting again on Thursday to do one last rehearsal. There is a live performance around 8am in CSU Northridge, and then we'll shoot the scene after the class.

On October 6, I went to do background work for Robin's Egg Blue. We didn't start until 2 hours later, I was in one scene, but I had to wait until the very last shot even though I wasn't needed. To say the least, it was a long day, and it was a student shoot. *sigh* I ended up munching on a lot of candies.




September 29, 2013

4 Auditions, 1 Weekend

I had quite a busy weekend with 4 auditions total for student films and pilots. I think, overall, I did great, so I'm really hoping to book at least 2 of them!

SATURDAY



1st Audition: "The Other Me" at Pasadena Community College
This was for a small part where my character comes on screen, probably for a split second, and waves to the main character. The director/writer was apologetic that the part was really small, but he said he's writing a sequel. I told him it was fine, it's kind of like an investment. Plus, I liked him and his videographer. I just did poses of looking at a distance, pretending to look at the main character. I hope I get this one!

2nd Audition: "Tiny Tainers" at Columbia College Hollywood
This location was pretty cool. It had box office movies on the walls and it just felt like a real deal school for filmmakers. I auditioned for the part of a police officer. I like the challenge. I'm hoping to get this one and hope that it can help show a range of what I can do. I also like the two people I auditioned for!

SUNDAY



1st Audition: "The Rogue Equation" at Calespana Apartments
This audition was for a pilot about a nurse who cares a lot about her patients. My character was the friend who admires the main character so much to the point that she comes off pathetic. The audition process was interesting. I learned that I should ALWAYS have a monologue memorized and ready to recite - one for drama, one for comedy. I felt completely unprepared and caught off guard when asked to recite one. I was definitely disappointed about that. I was also informed that the character I auditioned for has a lot of baggage, so crying on cue would be necessary. If I get this part, it would definitely be a big challenge.

2nd Audition: "MAYA" at Vanguard University
This audition was fun. I liked the people that I auditioned for. They were so friendly and I felt like I was already invested in it. I asked a lot of questions about the characters to get an idea of how I should portray them on camera. I auditioned for another part other than the main character as well. It looks like if I get cast, it might be for the supporting character. I don't mind at all as long as I get cast!

Overall, I had such a great experience auditioning this weekend! I felt comfortable and less afraid, which was an accomplishment considering the kinds of things I'm going through at the moment. Booking these gigs would just be the cherry on top. Please pray for me if you're reading this!

September 19, 2013

Piper Perabo Tweeted Me Back!!

The title says it all.. I'm so excited! I hope to work with her one day!

September 8, 2013

Shoots This Weekend

On Saturday, I had a shoot for a film called Home Room. I was an extra as a high school student. It was quite a long day. We saw an up and coming rapper/R&B singer perform - Izzy. I really thought he was already famous. He carried himself with such class and grace. I believe his album came out yesterday. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram. He has raw talent! Finally, check out this music video that he's in :)


Then, on Sunday, I went to film a Disney Webisode in a really cool cyber cafe. I love how they have free WiFi, serve organic coffees and teas, and have awesome snacks/foods! Make sure to check out Grounded Cafe if you're in Los Angeles! I got a spinach and fruit smoothie (I didn't pick the flavor). It's healthy!


September 5, 2013

Gigs Galore!

Hi everyone!

I haven't been here in a while, and that's because I've had a corporate job and not a whole lot of time to score any gigs in LA. Now, I'm finally unemployed again, and I've scored 2 gigs and one audition!

Today, I auditioned for the short student film "CREEP". I hope they liked me. I would really like to work with them.



The two gigs I scored was for this weekend. On Saturday, I will be a high school extra in the movie "HOME ROOM". On Sunday, I'm doing a Disney Webisode as a Cafe Customer. I'm excited to do both!

Here's to hoping I'd get more jobs in LA, and hopefully, move closer in a few months. :)

June 14, 2013

New Headshots!

I'm excited to share with you all my new headshots! :) Courtesy of Heart Steele Photography




I also have some photos for modeling purposes (a girl can dream!)




May 7, 2013

Advanced Screening: Yellow Face

On May 5, 2013, me and my friends attended the advance screening of the YouTube feature film, Yellow Face. It was screened at the Director's Guild of America. I was so excited, I dressed up and everything! The movie itself was good. I didn't expect for it to have a theater vibe to it. It was definitely an honor to have been part of the project. Here's to hoping I'd get to do more projects like this!

Check out the pictures below for the celebration after at Birds Cafe :)





March 25, 2013

Last Performance = EPIC

Last performance last night and it was... incredible! It was so good, it felt like it went too fast and then it was over. The show itself was amazing and the audience was very happy. At the end of the day, that's the most important thing. A cheering and smiling audience is what makes it all worth while :)

Backstage was fun as usual. Lots of smiles and hugs and "I'll miss you's"... After the show, we went downstairs to a little bar and hung out for a little bit. Did I mention that was my first time at a bar? I think it went well :) I successfully finished two glasses of water and it was great LOL! I got more hugs before I left which was awesome.

As with saying goodbye to anything you love, it was bittersweet. One of the guys already wanted me to come back to LA and hang out, and another promised to come to San Diego while I offered my apartment as his sanctuary. Well, at least I'll know I'll keep in touch with a couple people :)

Last night was a night I will cherish for a while. One thing I like about theater is the opportunity to make some connection with people and keeping hopes that it will last. We had a wonderful run, and an even more wonderful time experiencing the ups and downs of the process.

Thank you for giving me this wonderful memory...

Ladies and gentlemen... The Dark Side of the Moon....

March 13, 2013

Show #6 = Great Show

Show #6 turned out really well. As a stage actor, I make it a point to not make eye contact with the audience when I'm in character. However, once we do the curtain call, I look at all of them and see their reaction. This night's audience seems like they really enjoyed the show. That in itself is enough to inspire me to keep going.

I love it when I see smiles in the audience after the show, with or without a standing ovation. Just the knowledge that they enjoyed themselves (and got their money's worth), is good enough for me.

As usual, backstage was a different story. A little bit of it trickled onto the stage, which was "interesting" to say the least.

We just have two more shows left! If you are able to travel to Los Angeles, please come and see us :)


March 4, 2013

Show #5 = Connection

Last night's show was a lot of fun. There were complications, but we were all able to work through it. Also, we had to share the dressing room, so we were all bunched into a corner. When that happens, there's no choice but to get closer...

The backstage chatter was a lot of fun. New connections were made, new challenges were issued against each other. Basically, with all that was going on, it increased adrenaline and camaraderie. Apologies were given for past incidents. I really appreciated that one for sure.

On stage, the stakes were raised a little. Not quite as intense as Show #4, but definitely has potential ;) I can't wait for next week. I'm kind of sad we have 3 more shows left...

Overall, last night was just full of awesome, I don't even know how to put them into words. I'm still reeling from all of it. I wonder if all of it was just a dream...

February 23, 2013

On Set: Conscious (Thesis Film)

Today was so much fun!!! Everyone was just amazing and genuinely nice :)

If it was any other set, I probably would have been bored. This set? Wow, something about it was just a great experience. Let's recount my day, shall we?

I got to set by 8:00am when my call wasn't until 9:00am. I seriously am afraid of not finding parking so I make sure I'm always an hour early on location. I entered the premises around 8:40am. WOW. The warehouse was FREEZING! I tried to ignore it by reading a book. Didn't work much. I couldn't concentrate. I also was thinking how in the world I was going to network...


There was a background actor that came in late. We started talking and clicked right away. Yey for my first network! She was nice and we had a lot to talk about... Okay, I had a lot to talk about, haha. Then, she told me about her trip in Las Vegas and Florida. Cool stuff!

We finally started filming around 11:00am. We rehearsed the first scene for way too long, but I didn't mind. The crew asked how we were doing, gave us some directions, and kept thanking us for our patience. That's when I decided, I liked the director and the crew. They had lots of gratitude to go around.

Finally, just after 3:00pm, we were told it was lunch time. I didn't mind, really. There were lots of snacks to keep ourselves entertained :) I went overboard and thought I was hungry. Turned out, it was just my eyes that were hungry.


By 4:00pm, we went back to work.. Well, the background went back to waiting around :) It was okay because I was still having fun. I also made some more acquaintances and distributed my card to them, with the information of our current show written on the back :)

I was told in the email I received earlier in the week that we were going to be done by 6:00pm. That didn't happen. OVERTIME! I didn't mind that either. Seriously, I just love everyone! I had even more fun when we started filming around 6:00pm. I was really animated :) There was a funny moment when the director and the main camera lady kept trying to make me sit on a box to make me look short. I'm already short, but I was wearing high wedges today for the shoot. I told them I would be willing to crouch so we can get the shoot going. The director was so sweet, he refused to make me "suffer," even after I declared "It's all for the sake of the art!" I ended up just standing back up and still being the shortest of everyone ;)

By 7:30pm, we were wrapped. I would definitely come back again in two weeks if they want to invite me back. Such an awesome group of people. If only everyone in Los Angeles are like them...

COSTUMES

My first costume had 4 layers! Did I mention it was COLD in the warehouse?? Even with the layers, I was freezing, but I didn't mind. Okay, so I was wearing a black long-sleeved shirt, a blue top, an olive cardigan, and finally, an awesome apron (I really liked that apron). The lighting in the bathroom sure complimented my skin tone! (hehe)


My second costume was more straightforward. It was also the first time I wore my new cardigan. Seriously, I felt super special. I mean, who works at a warehouse and wears that kind of cardigan? It practically glittered!


BEST SET I've been in so far!

February 18, 2013

Show #4: Sexy!!!

Yesterday's show was special: my roommate came to watch!!


I was beyond excited! I dressed up and she did my hair. I did my makeup based on a YouTube tutorial for a devil's makeup. I practiced the night before...





Clearly, I should have gone with pink lips, but oh well... I liked it. I think the curly hair changed my features... I also contoured my face and highlighted certain areas.

Here's the last picture we took. We didn't have time to take pictures with the cast.


Hearts were broken, or rather eaten that night... So, on to the actual show..

Our dear devil was out sick, so we got a substitute... One word: SEXY!!

When I saw their cast on our opening night, I thought he was very entertaining to watch. I was gushing backstage and basically became a fan. Getting to work with him? Wow, it was awesome! He was sweet and really adorable. He set the bar so high, it's like using Maybelline makeup, and then I discovered MAC makeup, and I don't ever want to go back!

The whole performance itself was intense. It felt so different because our original devil, I realized last night, was gentle. The one we had last night? *fans self*

This is my first time working with someone I admire. I hope there will be more to come in the future!!!

February 11, 2013

Show #3 = Wild!

The show went well last night! The show is different every time we perform, which is really exciting! Last night, I felt a different connection with my co-actors. There were a lot more physical contact and interaction compared to the other two performances we've had so far. I think that's really cool. Every show has a different feeling and the audience gets to experience it.

I hope you will get to see it if you're reading this and live anywhere that is accessible to Los Angeles, CA :)

P.S.
One thing that also constantly changes is my makeup. Below is the beginning stages of last night's look! Don't worry, by the time I finished in the dressing room, I looked more frightening :)

January 31, 2013

Two Gigs As An Extra!

More good news!!!

I was contacted a couple days ago about being an extra for a low-budget feature film. I looked it up on IMDB and there are some famous names in there ;) I'm excited. I'm on call tomorrow (Friday, Feb 1). I can't wait to get working!

The second is Be the Church. If you remember, I mentioned that I auditioned for this pilot a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, I didn't get the part. However, I got an email asking me if I would be a featured extra for them. How cool is that?! I searched what a featured extra is:


Featured extras stand out from the crowd. They may hand the actor a newspaper, pour him a cup of coffee, trip over a sidewalk and block the hero's way or catch a fly ball in a stadium. The featured actor's part is short and generally not repeated more than once during the film. While all types of people are hired as background actors, casting directors are often looking for a certain type for a featured extra role.

Read more: What Is a Featured Extra in a Movie? | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/info_12155796_featured-extra-movie.html#ixzz2JcEvvypv

Cool huh?! I'm excited! I'm booked for that for three days next week! I can't wait!!!

 

January 28, 2013

Opening Night: Dark Side of the Moon

Opening night was great. I think our performance was amazing if you based it on the standing ovation from the audience :) I don't really know what else to say. :)

Hope to see you there sometime! If you do make it, make sure to tell them at the door that you are there to see me. And then, come say hi after the show!

Below is a picture of the makeup I ended up doing. This was the night before when I was messing with my makeup :)

Photo: What do u guys think of this makeup for devil's child? Is it too much? Do I need more? Tell me!

January 25, 2013

Last Day of Rehearsal: Day 14

Today was our last day!!!

We ran the whole show and it was AMAZING. We are hoping to do better on Sunday when we open for the first time. I'm so excited! I will be watching the 8:00pm showing to get an idea of the show itself before we go on at 9:30pm. Hope to see you there if you live in the Los Angeles area!

Below is the flyer that our Magistrate (Devix Szell) created.



I got new bruises today. Theatre is a serious occupation. Injuries do occur. They were all accidents and my body suffers. Ah well... It's all fun.

Finally, here's an idea of my makeup.

Photo: Not gonna lie, I'm getting bloody tired of this makeup and it's only been the second day I'm wearing it.

January 24, 2013

Rehearsal: Day 12 and 13

I completely forgot to blog yesterday!

Anyway, yesterday we had former magistrate, Josh, visit us again. If you remember, I mentioned him in one of my other entries. Did I mention he's super cool? As shy as I am, he was able to push me and inspire me to be better. Of course, I didn't really show it to him, but I was so pumped, I was making faces the entire 2-hour drive home.

When I got home yesterday, I went and bought my black T-shirt and white table cloth from two different stores so that I can start rehearsing with my costume. I was so excited after I figured out how I wanted to wear them, I even experimented with makeup. Let's just say it took so many takes and weird angles for me to even get two pictures I liked. Unfortunately, I am in Santa Monica right now, so I don't have my cable to connect my camera to my computer.

Anyway, Josh said that he could see why the director chose me to play the original minion girl. Not sure what he saw, but the magistrate in our cast told me the same later that night. Well, if that didn't boost my motivation meter, I don't know what could have.

Today...was so much fun! It took me 2.5 hours to drive from where I live to the rehearsal because of rain and my quest to try and find a faster route - I don't think I did, by the way. I just paid $5.50 in a toll road and I still got to rehearsal at 10:30 instead of my preferred 10:00am for the 11:00am call. Anyway, I'm weird. Moving on to the actual rehearsal.

I was so hyper and excited, I changed into my costume and everything. I already did my eye makeup before I left the house, so I just needed to put on my lipstick and black eyeliner to line my lips. Loved it.

While we were waiting to start, one of the cast members looked at me and decided to give me a suggestion. He said I was too cute, just like what Josh said yesterday. He said my hair in a ponytail makes me look cute, not-at-all scary. Shucks. So, I let my hair down, shake it a little, and try for a scary face. Other members said it worked so I went with it.

When rehearsal finally started, we didn't start from the beginning. I was dressed for the beginning, so I came as I was. The director said I was too cute, and looked like a middle eastern something. I don't quite remember. Well, I was supposed to be a minion in the scene we were doing. I finally decided to strip my white clothes and be "bad." It's so amusing how I just seem to entertain them. The simplest thing seem to fascinate them, maybe because they keep saying I'm too "cute". *Sigh* I can't help nature, peoples ;)

Finally, we ran the show from the beginning and I felt great. We needed to work on some parts, but overall, I was better than yesterday. I think I still could look scarier, but the hair in front of my face definitely help with that effect.

I'm so excited for tomorrow's rehearsal! I'm hoping we would get to run it TWICE! Then, after that, it's SHOW TIME this Sunday!!!

This is from the Grudge movie. Imagine my face in it with all those hair and a much meaner, uglier face :)

January 22, 2013

Reheasal: Day 11

Day 11: Great day!

The show is coming together! It's great to see that it is flowing the way it should be. I'm also getting the hang of doing my parts, and trying to remember where I'm supposed to be. I'm planning on wearing my costume on Thursday so I can start practicing the movements.

Overall, it was a fun rehearsal. Still needs some work, but I believe we can do it in three days, given that we stay productive. The Magistrate had some ideas for me after rehearsal so hopefully we can try that out, either tomorrow or Thursday when I have my costume with me.

January 21, 2013

Rehearsal: Day 10

Day 10: New cast members

We had new cast members today. They were a quick study, we're almost done blocking the whole show. Hopefully, tomorrow we would block the whole thing with the newbies ;)

As for me, well, I need more practice snarling at people and being menacing. I'm sorry, but this face is just not naturally mean, unless I'm mad at something ;)



Just 4 more rehearsals left and we open this Sunday! Hope you will all come and support. Contact me directly if you want a discount ;) Of course I'd prefer you pay the full price so I can get paid, but having you there is more important.

Tomorrow, I think I will learn how to eat a person. It just keeps getting better and better for my character!


January 20, 2013

Filming of Double Crossing

Sorry this is a bit late. I was really sick yesterday when I finally got home.

Anyway, I filmed my scene for Double Crossing yesterday. We did the scene in 5 hours with different angles, close ups, and then an audio recording at the end. Overall, it was a fun experience.

I got there at 6:30am. They put us in hair and makeup a little after 7am. It was really cool how I was tended to. I felt really special. They treated us very well on set and it was overall a wonderful shoot. I'm looking forward to the finished product and to doing more films in the future.

Here are some pictures I took.

Photo: Hair and makeup done
This is what I look like with very minimal makeup on.
Photo: Hair and makeup crews with my on-screen boyfriend.
From left to right: Akiko (makeup artist), Sherri (hair stylist), Chris (on-screen boyfriend) Sorry if I misspelled names!





Tomorrow is the start of a new week. Back to rehearsals for me. We open a week from now (Sunday, January 27). Hope you will come and see Dark Side of the Moon!

January 18, 2013

Rehearsal: Day 9

Day 9:

I've been promoted...

To the main minion girl! I get to be the devil's first child :) I get to bite someone's neck and rip another's heart out. I'm living out my vampire dream! I also get to snarl and contort my body in obscure ways.

I'm excited to be given this opportunity. I will try my best to not let anyone down. I will do my best to not let my shyness hold me back.

We open on January 27, so I hope some of you will come and watch :)

January 17, 2013

Rehearsal: Day 8

Day 8:

Yet another awkward day, but we were able to finish blocking the entire show. I won't go over the issues, but let's just say it's best to stay professional and to commit when you said you would.

We learned the "Hippie Dance" today. Basically, glide around the stage and high-five people as if we were all high and happy :) Good stuff!

I believe the show will open on January 27. I will confirm when I know more. I hope some of you can come see the show. The ticket is $20/person.

Lastly, I'm staying in Santa Monica until Saturday with an acquaintance. She was nice enough to offer me her apartment while I'm in LA so I don't have to drive back and forth so much. I'm very thankful because the drive is starting to "drive" me crazy. I don't know if I can do it much longer, so I'm also looking for a new place to move to.

January 16, 2013

Rehearsal: Day 7

Day 7: -_-

Rehearsal was cancelled today. It's probably best if I don't explain why.

Good thing about it being cancelled was I that I got to network. I "met" a fellow cast member and we talked for almost 2 hours at Starbucks. We exchanged numbers. She was a PA at the People's Choice Awards and she went to the Golden Globes after party. She met Jennifer Lawrence, Adam Levine, and MATT BOMER. Oh my goodness.




Anyway, hopefully tomorrow would be better and back to normal.

I also would be staying in LA for three days so I don't have to drive back and forth. Hopefully it works out :)